Cars 2 Goes Global

While in town to announce a Winnie the Pooh movie and present brand new scenes from Toy Story 3, John Lasseter also spilled the beans about the forthcoming Cars sequel, Cars 2.

According to the Disney/Pixar maestro, he became inspired while travelling around Europe and wondering what would happen to his characters if they were placed on foreign soil.

The result is a story in which Lightning McQueen competes in the global “Race of Champions,” involving Formula One, rally and sports car races in five glamorous locations — Japan, Germany, Italy, France and finally England.

However, along the way, McQueen’s intellectually challenged buddy Mater unwittingly saves the life of Fenn McMissile, a sleek sports car who also happens to be a secret agent.

His efforts cause Fenn — and the villainous agents he is doing battle with — to think Mater is a spy, and so the racing comedy also has an action-adventure twist.

Lasseter then presented some beautiful concept art and hinted that much of the comedy will revolve around Mater being an ignorant American abroad.